Neurofeedback

Quality of life experience begins with a healthy brain
If the brain is functioning well, life is easier, challenges are met with fluidity, calm and focused mental states are more accessible, sleep is refreshing, and relationships more gratifying. When the brain is unhealthy or damaged, the effects are striking. Aspects of life previously mentioned are difficult and symptoms develop that result in psychological, emotional, or relational pain. Chronic stress, trauma, early life experiences, insufficient relational support, violent and abusive relationships, or simply neglecting brain health can impair brain function. Neurofeedback is a powerful tool to train the brain back to health and improved quality of life.

What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback, also called EEG Biofeedback, is a method of brain training utilizing computer and electroencephalographic (EEG) technology to help individuals perform optimally and reduce undesirable symptoms.

As groups of brain cells fire, they produce subtle electrical waves which are measurable at the surface of the scalp with EEG sensors. The brain produces more or less of particular waves when engaged in various mental activities. For example, when individuals are focused, they produce more intense higher frequency waves, called beta (15-38 cycles per second), than when relaxed. Alternately, in a relaxed state, alpha waves (8-14 cycles per second) are produced at a greater intensity. When falling asleep, slower waves abound.

Humans require the ability to transition to and from various mental states to perform specific tasks. Inefficiencies in the form of unwanted symptoms occur when the brain becomes “stuck” in a particular state. For example, the brains of depressed individuals often exhibit an imbalance of excessive slow brainwaves, and the brains of those who are easily stressed or anxious produce disproportionate fast waves.

Healthy brains retain the ability to flexibly move from state to state when called upon to do so. People with flexible brains are able to feel sadness without getting stuck in depression. Brains that perform optimally are able to become highly focused, productive and efficient one moment and calm and relaxed the next. The brains of people who are chronically stressed have difficulty shifting states necessary for rest and recovery. Neural flexibility allows us to perform well at work, school or sports. Neurofeedback can train the brain to become more flexible and less “stuck.”

Flexible brains are also resilient, that is, they are able to ‘bounce back’ from difficult life circumstances, lack of sleep, and exposure to harmful substances. It is appropriate from time-to-time for a person to experience a degree of stress, which motivates one to spring to action. Once the necessary action has been taken, the resilient brain allows the return to a relaxed state, which is necessary to get proper rest and recovery. It is in this relaxed state of openness that we are present and available in relationships.

Who Can Benefit From Neurofeedback?
Because neurofeedback is exercise for the brain, anyone can benefit. It is particularly useful to decrease symptoms of:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Emotion dysregulation
- Hypervigilance
- Racing thoughts
- Sleep disorders and insomnia
- Attention and Concentration (Attention Deficit Disorder [ADD], Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD])
- Stress
- Headaches and chronic pain
- Low energy and chronic fatigue
- Post-Concussion Syndrome and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Brain fog
- Cognitive declined due to aging
- Fibromyalgia

Neurofeedback is a non-invasive alternative to those who react adversely or fail to respond to mainstream treatments. Neurofeedback is particularly appropriate for those who have not responded well to medication or who have experienced unwanted side effects resulting from medication use, who are pregnant and therefore do not want to take medication, or who would prefer a non-chemical intervention. Neurofeedback recruits the brain’s ability to change itself, training it to function more adaptively. Similar to learning anything new, the effects of brain-training with neurofeedback are sustained.

People on psychotropic medications, like SSRIs for depression and anxiety, do not need to change their medication regimen to do neurofeedback. Some find that as their symptoms decrease so does the need for medication. In such cases we recommend people speak with their prescribing physician about dose modification.
Neurofeedback can restore optimal sleep-wake cycles, stabilize emotions, and reduce cravings. As brain functioning normalizes, becoming increasingly adaptive and resilient, symptoms are reduced.

Because neurofeedback trains the brain towards optimal functioning, this procedure is useful for a wide variety of individuals looking to increase their performance in sports, at work, academics, or general quality of life. For health individuals, neurofeedback can improve focus and attention, cognitive flexibility, creativity, sleep quality, and emotion regulation.

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Self-Assessment Quiz: Is Neurofeedback Right for You?

Use this short self-assessment to determine if and how Neurofeedback therapy might be a suitable option for you. Select the statement that best describes your experience for each question.

1. How would you describe your ability to focus or concentrate?

• A) Excellent, no problems with concentration.
• B) Sometimes I struggle, but it's not a major issue.
• C) I often have difficulty focusing and it affects my daily life.

2. Do you experience anxiety or stress?

• A) Rarely or never.
• B) Occasionally, but it's manageable.
• C) Frequently, and it interferes with my daily life.

3. How do you find your sleep quality?

• A) Good, I rarely have trouble sleeping.
• B) Inconsistent, sometimes I have sleep problems.
• C) Poor, I frequently experience sleep disorders or insomnia.

4. Do you suffer from chronic pain, headaches, or fatigue?

• A) No, I don't experience any of these symptoms.
• B) Occasionally, but it doesn't significantly affect me.
• C) Yes, I often experience one or more of these symptoms.

5. Have you found traditional treatments (such as medication) to be ineffective or problematic?

• A) I haven't needed traditional treatments.
• B) I've used traditional treatments with success.
• C) Traditional treatments have been ineffective or caused adverse side effects.

Your Results:

• Mostly A's: Neurofeedback might still be beneficial for you as a tool for optimizing brain function and enhancing performance. If you are looking for ways to improve focus, attention, cognitive flexibility, creativity, and more, consider exploring this therapy.
• Mostly B's: You may find Neurofeedback helpful in addressing occasional or moderate symptoms you experience. Consult with a specialist to determine a customized therapy plan that could assist in improving these areas.
• Mostly C's: Neurofeedback therapy could be a particularly effective option for you, especially if traditional treatments haven't worked. The symptoms and experiences you've described are often addressed successfully with Neurofeedback. Schedule a consultation to explore how this therapy might benefit your specific situation.

This self-assessment is not a diagnostic tool. If you believe you might benefit from Neurofeedback therapy, please schedule an appointment with a qualified practitioner at Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback.

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